V.S. Achuthanandan, a towering figure in Kerala’s Left politics and former Chief Minister, passed away on Monday at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. He was 101. The CPI(M) veteran, who served as Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011, had retreated from public life following a minor stroke in 2019. He had been residing under care at his son V. Arun Kumar’s home since then, The Hindu reported.
His passing has triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, with leaders hailing him as a principled fighter, mass leader, and indomitable spirit of Kerala’s communist movement.
CPI(M) Honours Achuthanandan As ‘A Voice of the Voiceless’
The CPI(M) Kerala unit took to X (formerly Twitter) to express its grief and gratitude. “We salute Comrade V.S. Achuthanandan—an architect of Kerala’s progressive journey, a voice of the voiceless, and a lifelong champion of the working class,” the party wrote.
CPI(M) State Secretary M.V. Govindan Master shared a heartfelt message in Malayalam: “VS was a fighter whose struggles knew no pause. He gave strength to the forward march of the working class. He defined and led countless agitations in Kerala with his resolute Communist determination.”
In another post, he added, “VS had the power to inspire every section of society and the energy to face any crisis. The revolutionary leader departs into eternal sleep leaving behind monumental footprints for generations to follow.”
Congress and BJP Leaders Remember VS Achuthanandan
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor shared a photograph of Achuthanandan releasing his book “The Elephant, the Tiger & the Cellphone” in 2008, writing, “Mourning the passing of former Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan… A giant of Kerala’s Communist movement, ‘VS’ rose from humble origins to become a hugely popular mass leader and Chief Minister 2006–11, where he earned the respect of all. He will be mourned by millions of his devoted followers. Om Shanti!”
Former Kerala BJP president K. Surendran also paid homage, stating, “Former Chief Minister and veteran communist leader Shri V.S. Achuthanandan’s demise marks the end of an era in Kerala politics. His commitment to public life and fearless stance on many issues earned him respect across party lines. Heartfelt condolences. Om Shanti.”
VS Achuthanandan’s Political Legacy
Achuthanandan’s political life spanned nearly nine decades. Born in 1923 in Punnapra, Alappuzha, to a family of agricultural workers, he began his activism at the age of 16, organising peasants and workers against feudal oppression and colonial rule. He played a key role in the historic Punnapra-Vayalar uprising of 1946, during which he was arrested and brutally tortured by police, as per The Hindu.
A founding member of the CPI(M) in 1964, he rose to become State secretary, Polit Bureau member, Chief Minister, and Leader of the Opposition. A staunch ideologue, Achuthanandan was also a powerful orator known for his earthy sarcasm, wit, and unwavering commitment to social justice.
He is survived by his wife K. Vasumathy, daughter V.V. Asha, son V.A. Arun Kumar, and grandchildren.
